So you're bored in the summer, huh? Or maybe it's the middle of the school year, but you've found yourself feeling unfulfilled lately. Either way, you want something new.

You want a project you can devote time to, something you can really care about. Or you just wanna spice up your college applications (If that's the case, pick from the top section, and pick something you ACTUALLY care about).

Long-Term Projects to Take On

1. Start a Band

This is a really good idea if you find music interesting, and is a great way to get involved with a group! Each person can play to their strengths and talents.

2. Start a Blog

This is really good because we all have these little niche interests that we think no one else cares about, or something we could rant about for hours. Now, you can do this, but with pay (possibly!).

3. Start a Business

Starting a business is an amazing way to earn extra cash while learning lessons about money, management, marketing, and possibly teamwork.

4. Make a Mural

Ever seen one of those one-a-day challenges? The beauty of murals is that they're art created from art.

5. Write a Book

This...will take a while, but for aspiring writers, it can teach so much about planning, plot, and structure in a way that writing novellas, poems, or short stories cannot!

6. Invent/Study Something

This is very broad, but my meaning is, if you have an idea or interest, go for it! There are tons of teens involved in professional research right now, but even if that's not your thing, you can still draw up plans, answer questions, and study the world you live in.

7. Write for an Organization

This is one of my favorite hobbies. Having a position at a writing company teaches you so much about responsibility, leadership, and hard work.

8. Work for/start a Charity

While this tends to get a bad rep, this is helpful for more than just college applications! Students with real insight, passion, and dedication can really and truly make a difference.

9. Write a Play/Show

If you're a writer, but also more connected to visuals and want to incorporate non-literary elements, writing a play or show is a great way to do this!

10. Write a Movie or Choreograph a Dance

Bonus points if you have the ability to stage it! Writing a movie requires an understanding of cinema, plot devices, and visual cues. Interestingly enough, the same goes for dance.

11. Design Your Dream House

This one has a mix of architecture, interior design knowledge, and pure fantasy! Don't we all have Pinterest boards lined with our dream lifestyle?

12. Design Your Dream Dress or Outfit and Make It!

I'll admit, I got the idea from Gossip Girl (you can't make me hate Jenny Humphrey). But honestly, there's no limit to how many clothes I want, personally, so this is an incredible solution.

13. Learn a New Language

Learning a language is one of the most fulfilling things a person can do with their time, because you not only learn practical skills, but are introduced to a whole new culture. Pairing this with travel, it's one of the most character-enhancing things you can do as well.

14. Create a Photo Essay

A really interesting idea for photography lovers, a photo essay is a good exercise in emotional appeal in photography. Creating a photo essay requires you to be very specific and intentional with your art, making it a great way to grow your skills.

15. Teach a Class

Teaching a class is not only a great way to volunteer but to share your skills and ideas!

16. Build an App or Website

This is a great platform for anyone into coding, or with a project idea—it's a great way to take initiative.

17. Build Something- a Bookshelf, a Treehouse, Anything!

You need to learn life skills, and this is a great way.

18. Learn a Coding Language

Learning a coding language is an incredible way to change the way you think. It allows you to better understand logic, strategy, and think in blocks of information.

19. Explore a New Culture

Exploring a new culture means exploring a new way to understand the world, a new set of ideas and beliefs.

20. Start a Podcast

Another great way to share information.

21. Launch a Literary Journal or a Magazine

I've done this and it's a great way to combine literature, writing, editing, management, and design.

22. Grow a Social Media Account or Make Edits

People may think this is shallow, but it's a great way to learn about marketing or promote niche or random ideas.

23. Start a Book Club

One of the most fun things you can do is sit around and discuss something you're obsessed with.

24. Start a School Club

This requires initiative and passion!

25. Design a Building

A great excersize in architecture and creativity.

26. Start a SoundCloud/Write Music

Composition is difficult, creative, and intellectual.

27. Design and Decorate a Room

A fun, creative project to get your juices flowing.

28. Build a Video Game

This is an amazing idea for video game enthusiasts, amatuer coders, or just really good ideas.

29. Write a Comic Strip

Combine comedy with art!

30. Learn a New Skill

Pick something you're interested in, and just go for it.

31. Do Research on an Open Ended Question, and Create a Report on Your Findings

No, high school is NOT too early.

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Research Project Formats

32. Make a Brochure

Brochures are great for projects that require an audience, projects that require your audience to know a large amount of information.

33. Create a Blog

Blogs are best if there aren't any key points to your project, but rather a topic that you found very interesting that you chose to delve into.

34. Write a Report

Kinda the opposite of a blog, this is best if you have a very specific point or topic that can be organized and structured easily.

35. Make a PowerPoint Presentation

It's simple, but pretty effective if you just have a simple, catagory based idea without a lot of special requirements.

36. Make a Diorama

A common yet eclectic way of presenting information.

37. Make a Collage

Best for visual cues and cohesive ideas.

38. Make a Mobile

A creative, clever, and unusual format.

39. Create a Skit

For projects that have storylike elements such as plot or character.

40. Create Fake Text Messages

Another great way to sum up story-like ideas.

41. Write a Newspaper Article

This works best for story-like topics, such as a time in history or a film or book.

42. Make an Ad

Best for topics involving persuasive, arguments, and subjectivity.

43. Create a Newsletter

This is best if you need an ACTIVE audience for your goals (spreading information, encourage action, ect).

Passion Projects Just For You

44. Start a Garden

This is good for your mental health, wildlife, and of course, the plants!

45. Make a Reading Goal (and stick to it!)

Remember to keep it realistic, and not make reading a chore.

46. Create a Journaling System

Journaling should be a habit- it lifts the burden off of you and helps you feel safe and calm.

47. Have a Bucket List/Vision Board

Design the world you want to live in, then slowly try to make it real.

48. Start a Collection

This is a fun and interesting niche hobby that's unique and you can make your own!

49. Adopt a Pet

This will teach you life skills and responsibility.

50. Foster Animals

Same as above, but save animals in the process.

51. Get into DIYs

Combine hands on with creativity.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this list. Remember, this is by no means all there is! There are plenty of options you have if you are ever bored and in need of something to do.

And remember not to do any of these for accomplishment's sake: do these because you're interested. Let me know in the comments what you think of this article, if you have any suggestions for me, and any other feedback.